Published May 6, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT Jon Gilbert is a Features Writer for Android Police. I've covered Android since 2021, focusing on writing features and guides about Android apps and features that directly affect users. I've attended CES to uncover powerful hardware that isn't dominated by Google like the Mudita Kompakt. I trawl through Android news daily, hunting for stories that have real-world consequences. I hold a BA in History & Classics.  For years, the same names have dominated the "best Android launchers" lists. Nova Launcher, Niagara, Action, and Microsoft are all familiar names to those exploring third-party launchers. But when Nova, perhaps the most popular third-party launcher, went dark in 2025 and was resurrected with ads, people left in droves to find an alternative to their beloved launcher. I've always been happy with the default Pixel Launcher. It does everything I need it to, and I feel like I have the right amount of control over the layout.…